CHRIST: THE EMBODIMENT OF LIFE

THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2022

Jesus introduced Himself as the good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep in every way. Then He used a figure of speech to speak to the Pharisees about wolfs, thieves and robbers who have come to steal, kill and destroy, which means that He wasn't making reference to the Devil. However, the Pharisees, who always looked for opportunity to criticize Jesus, did not understand what He was telling them.

Reference: John 10:10 New International Version (NIV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Jesus referred to the thief as false teachers, self-righteous religious leaders and two-faced people who emerge as spiritual men and look to their own selfish way. The thief can also represent any kind of spiritual and physical bondage. So He defined the thief's mission as coming to "steal, kill and destroy" because they care nothing about the sheep. Then He clarified His purpose: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. As far as God is concerned, only Christ Jesus is the embodiment of life and he came to offer those who truly believe in Him everlasting and fulfilled life so they can have it in abundance till it overflows.

Its not every leader or preacher or doctrine in operation that is concerned about the safety of the sheep. Today, the sheep represents God's own people, who have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Jesus redeemed us with His blood and delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and the bondage of sin and death. And until anyone receives His salvation, they will remain enslaved to the devil, to sin and to death, without knowing the meaning of abundant and everlasting life. Jesus paid the complete price to purchase the freedom of mankind, and no matter what anybody thinks or believes, all we need is what Jesus did for us on the cross, in order to enjoy the very life and pasture He offers and have it in abundance. Abundance in this sense, means a life full of everything you need to sustain yourself in joy and fulfil your purpose in Christ.

Beloved, its never God's will for His own children to put up with anything that robs them of this blessed and full life. Although its a life beyond the time realm, which means, we will live forever, God is so good that He wants us to enjoy our lives here on earth and spend it well in abundance. This is why He offers us the benefits of salvation which come in various ways. For instance, God doesn't want you to be sick in your body because He has made provision in His Word for you to prosper in health. Proverbs 4:20-22 says, "My child, pay attention to my words; listen closely to what I say. Don't ever forget my words; keep them always in mind. They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body" (NCV).

God doesn't want His children bound by insecurity and worries; for this reason, He made provision for us to excel in power, in love and with a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). So, how do we function in the realm of abundant life Christ brought to us? Jesus said, 'If you abide in My word … you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free' (John 8:31-32 NKJV). As you spend time reading and meditating on the Word, the Spirit of God will open your eyes to the truths you require in any area of life and will show you how to put it to work and also walk in it. He will expose the hidden lies and strongholds of the thieves and the enemy of your soul which they can employ to steal or manipulate your joy or even minimize your confidence in God. Then He will speak to your heart, and His Word will free you from those lies and strongholds so you can experience the enjoyable, rewarding, and satisfying life that God has prepared for you in Christ and also live it to the full. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 16:11; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 36:8; Isaiah 56:11; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19.

Exuberant Declaration: Christ lives in me, and in Him I have abundance of all that sustains life. I'm bought with a precious price, which is the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, the devil has no right over me. Through the light of the Word and the Holy Spirit shining brightly in my heart, I possess all my possessions in the Word and I enjoy them abundantly, thereby overflowing with rich fullness of nourishment and spiritual possessions. Hallelujah!